How to run a 1:1 with a low performer like a leader, not a manager

June 16, 2025

It’s Tactical Tuesday!

Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...

___________________________

The Thought

Did you know... “Leaders who empower employees through coaching see 4x more improvement in performance than managers who simply dictate tasks” (source: Harvard Business Review). Empowering your team to grow through collaborative conversations creates a culture of ownership and accountability.

Quote:
"Leadership is not about being the best. It’s about making everyone else better." – Jon Gordon

___________________________

The Tip

Remember to… Separate performance from personality. Focus on behavior and outcomes, not emotions. When addressing low performance, use the SBI model (Situation, Behavior, Impact) to ensure clarity and avoid personal judgment. For example, say, “On X date, you missed the deadline, and this impacted the project because... let’s work together to improve this.”

Bonus Action:

Set a follow-up meeting to review progress and offer feedback. This keeps the conversation ongoing and provides an opportunity to adjust the plan, celebrate small wins, and address new challenges. Create a feedback loop that fosters continuous improvement and shows your commitment to their growth.

___________________________

The Tool

Short Video: Watch this video on how to run a 1:1 with a low performer like a leader, not a manager.
Learn how to shift from criticism to coaching and guide your team member toward improvement and growth.

Watch the viral video on TikTok

Watch the video (and read the popular post) on LinkedIn

Action Item: Schedule your next 1:1 with a low performer and implement the SBI model during the conversation. Start by focusing on facts (Situation, Behavior, Impact), ask empowering questions to invite ownership, and set clear next steps for improvement. Follow up in a week to review progress and make any necessary adjustments.

___________________________

Leadership Question of the week…

Here is the top question this week from our 200+ Leadership Questions (part of our Complete Leader Package). Don’t have these? Get instant access here.

❓When has work felt the most fun and engaging?
❓How can we bring that excitement more consistently?
❓What’s one team ritual, activity, or experience we should start?

Activity of the week…

Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.

Watch the activity description of the “DRAWING SOLUTIONS”

Want more? Instantly download these ready-to-use tools.

Spark dialogue with your team.

Ignite engagement.

These activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2025!

-> Digital download: Get instant access to the most popular Complete Leader Package. Leaders love having over 200 questions for 1:1s, team meetings, and leadership meetings.

Plus, 52 team meeting activity cards so you’ll never have to plan another activity again!

-> Want the team meeting activity cards in a box? Order them now - ships immediately. Limited available. Order now!

-> New leader? Grab the NEW LEADER Bundle here and get both the Complete Leader Package and Activity Cards Box, plus a bonus program: 52 Leadership Skills to unlock your leadership potential this year. Use IGNITEIT20 for 20% off as a special thank you. Learn more.

COMING SOON: Our People Builder platform where you can create customized 1:1s and team meeting agendas, along with track the growth and development of your people all in one place. You can even import any leadership questions or team activities you’ve purchased so you can mix and match and customize your own 1:1s and team meetings. Chat me here saying "PEOPLE BUILDER" if you’d like to be part of our FREE pilot group. We are looking for 2 more leaders to participate.

Thank you for being a leader out there!

-Dwight

P.S. Want to share this Tactical Tuesday newsletter via text, social, or email? Simply copy and paste this link: https://completeleadershipacademy.com/blogs/tactical-tuesday/how-to-run-a-1-1-with-a-low-performer-like-a-leader-not-a-manager